Definition of stupendousnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word stupendous different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of stupendous are monstrous, prodigious, and tremendous. While all these words mean "extremely impressive," stupendous implies a power to stun or astound, usually because of size, numbers, complexity, or greatness beyond description.

a stupendous volcanic eruption

In what contexts can monstrous take the place of stupendous?

The words monstrous and stupendous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, monstrous implies a departure from the normal (as in size, form, or character) and often carries suggestions of deformity, ugliness, or fabulousness.

the monstrous waste of the project

When is prodigious a more appropriate choice than stupendous?

Although the words prodigious and stupendous have much in common, prodigious suggests a marvelousness exceeding belief, usually in something felt as going far beyond a previous maximum (as of goodness, greatness, intensity, or size).

made a prodigious effort and rolled the stone aside

Where would tremendous be a reasonable alternative to stupendous?

While in some cases nearly identical to stupendous, tremendous may imply a power to terrify or inspire awe.

the tremendous roar of the cataract

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of stupendous Designed to survey a large portion of the entire sky over and over, more deeply and in a speedier fashion than ever before, its science goals are stupendous. Big Think, 4 Nov. 2025 But Pullman’s abilities as a storyteller are stupendous, and on full display. Lev Grossman, The Atlantic, 23 Oct. 2025 After a stupendous table reading just before the shoot, in which the actor blew everyone, including co-stars Woody Harrelson and Demi Moore, away, Lansing was summoned to see the star. Stephen Galloway, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2025 The Oracle guidance on the next several years of stupendous AI data center growth is worthy of all the analysts’ superlatives and surely pushes out the day of reckoning that will come with peak capex demand. Michael Santoli, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stupendous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stupendous
Adjective
  • Thank you all for a wonderful discussion.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026
  • The team Pep Guardiola built in the early 2010s, combining the wonderful passing of Xavi Hernandez and Andrés Iniesta with the twinkling magic of Lionel Messi, will forever be remembered.
    Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • His style obviously was amazing.
    Patrick McEnroe, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2026
  • Hokkaido is a large island blessed with exceptional seafood, so not surprisingly, Sapporo has amazing sushi even by Japan’s lofty standards, and Hokkaido is world famous for its scallops.
    Larry Olmsted, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • What extravagant actions can a life of astonishing clothes inspire?
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 30 Jan. 2026
  • There’s certainly the capital expenditure (Capex) figure, which is astonishing.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Georgia Tech nearly made a miraculous rally from a 15-point deficit late in their game against Virginia Tech Tuesday.
    AJC Sports, AJC.com, 28 Jan. 2026
  • What did happen is still miraculous.
    Jim Cramer, CNBC, 25 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • These are just a few of the faces that show up in 1996’s marvelous second LP by Belle and Sebastian.
    Elizabeth Nelson, Pitchfork, 22 Jan. 2026
  • And of course, the American films are marvelous this year.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 22 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • First, of course, is Nakache’s incredible resilience in the face of the demons of his past, which stem from the greater history of his country.
    Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 7 Jan. 2026
  • There were some incredible individual seasons across positions like San Francisco RB Christian McCaffrey, Seattle WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cleveland DE Myles Garrett.
    Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • General Daily Insight for January 31, 2026 Minor adjustments can bring surprising ease and clarity.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2026
  • The surprising twist was the slew of cancellations in — among other places — South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.
    Jessica Mekles, FOXNews.com, 31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Costa Blanca is stunning from dry land, but exploring by water offers an opportunity to see the coastline from a new perspective.
    Liz Provencher, Travel + Leisure, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Read on for more on-sale Kate Spade purses worth checking out, including a chic suede laptop bag, a leather commuter tote, and a stunning blue oversized shoulder bag.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stupendous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stupendous. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on stupendous

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!